Mercedes-Benz 230SL Pagoda Manual

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In the late 1950s Mercedes-Benz were making two sports models, the gorgeous if rather over-bodied 190SL and the magnificent (but hugely expensive) 300SL.

After an abortive programme to improve the 190’s performance, it was decided that they would replace both models with just one car. Developed from the new 220SE saloon platform, and using its sweet 2.3-litre straight-six, the new W113 230SL was the first sports car to use front and rear crumple zones and was very elegantly styled by Paul Bracq.

A sophisticated removable hard top turned the roadster into a very convincing coupe, the hood folding out of sight into an area behind the seats under a hinged cover. The distinctive hard top had an unusual dished roof for added strength which was to become the signature feature of the model, lending it the Pagoda nickname which has stuck to this day.

Available in manual form only to begin with, an automatic was added in late 1963. Power output eventually increased from 150bhp to 170bhp in the last of the line 280SL, the W113 finally being replaced by the rather less elegant R107 SL in 1971.

This 1966 left-hand drive 230SL has spent most of its life in California and is said to be “totally rust free” with excellent bodywork and structure, even retaining the original front wings as evidenced by the 'dimple' by the headlamps. It has covered around 135,000km (84,000 miles) but was fitted with a more powerful 280SL engine some time ago which had reputedly done only about half this mileage.

Some £4,000 has recently been spent on the car to sort out any niggles, including a full service and renewing many of the rubber bushes and mountings which tend to lead a hard life in the hot California sunshine (bills on file). The hardtop and door seals have also been replaced.

Fitted with Euro-spec lights front and rear, it has an excellent black leather interior and much of the chromework has been replated. The Ivory White paintwork is also said to be in very good shape, as is the matching hard top and the black soft top, and the engine bay looks nicely presented.

Said to drive very well with a smooth changing manual gearbox, it is taxed and MOTd until the end of August 2015 with no advisories recorded. Although RHD cars always seem to command a premium over here, there is no doubt that LHD California imports are nearly always in far better condition once you really look into them!

Still badged as a 230 but with the added poke of a 280 engine, this beautifully preserved Pagoda is sure to bring a lot of pleasure to its new owner and will turn heads wherever it goes. It looks excellent value at the sensible guide price suggested.

AMENDMENT: The hard top on this car has now been painted black.